Gentlemen Afterdark

Gentlemen Afterdark rose out of Tucson’s The Pills and landed atop the bustling early 80s Phoenix New Wave scene. Native Phoenician Alice Cooper took a shine to the band, and with help from Alice’s producer Dick Wagoner (Lou Reed, Aerosmith, KISS, Tim Curry), produced their self titled debut EP. People Magazine was quick to jump on the GAD bandwagon giving them a full spread in their “Stars of the Future” issue. Frontman Brian Smith’s flamboyant stage antics fueled the band’s legendary live shows securing the comparison as the West Coast’s answer to the New York Dolls. Along with Brian Smith, Gentlemen Afterdark was composed of brother Barry Smith, keyboards/violin, Robin Johnson, guitars/vocals, Winston Watson, drums, and Fred Cross, bass.  After tours with the likes of Culture Club and New Order, GAD relocated to Los Angeles in the late 80s. The band was being courted by A&M and recording at the labels legendary Hollywood studios, and with help from good friend Gilby Clarke (Guns ’N Roses), GAD was gigging steady at the all the popular LA showcase clubs including Madame Wong’s. This incarnation of GAD features Brian Smith, vocals, along with brother Stuart Smith, guitars/vocals, Robin Johnson, guitars/vocals, Jon Norwood, drums and Kevin Pate, bass. Gentlemen Afterdark’s forward thinking sound and over the top performances demand their place in the psyche of 1980s American New Wave underground.